The principal of a missionary school in Jharkhand’s Khunti district was found seriously injured on Wednesday morning after an alleged attack by unidentified men, prompting hundreds of members of tribal and Christian communities to stage protests demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Father Benedict Barla, also known as Benny, who heads RC Boys Middle School and is associated with St Michael’s Church, was found unconscious and bleeding on the school premises around 8.30 am.
He was initially taken to Khunti Sadar Hospital for emergency treatment before being referred to a hospital in Ranchi, where he is undergoing further treatment. His condition was reported to be critical.
According to Bisu Benjamin, Vicar General of the Koti Diocese, CCTV footage showed three masked men entering the school premises on a motorcycle around 9 pm on Tuesday.
“From the CCTV footage, it appears that three people wearing masks entered on a bike,” Benjamin told The Indian Express. He said the men may have attacked Barla when they encountered him inside the office.
Police Superintendent Rishabh Garg said investigators were examining CCTV footage and evidence collected from the scene to identify the suspects and establish the circumstances of the attack.
Protesters Block Road, Demand Arrests
Hundreds of people from tribal and Christian communities took to the streets in Khunti on Wednesday, blocking Bhagat Singh Chowk from around 10.30 am and taking out a protest march.
The protesters blocked the Ranchi-Khunti-Chaibasa road and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible. They also called for a thorough investigation into the incident and warned that their agitation would continue until the accused were apprehended.
Senior police officers, including SP Rishabh Garg and ASP Christopher Kerketta, visited the spot and launched an investigation.
Police Examine CCTV Footage and Evidence
The attack came to light after a woman visiting the school in the morning found Barla lying injured and informed the parish authorities, according to church priest Father Nicholas. Police are attempting to trace the woman, who was the first to discover him.
Investigators found items scattered inside the school office and indications that someone may have attempted to wipe away bloodstains in the corridor. Barla’s mobile phone, recovered from the premises, is also being examined.
Police suspect that two or three people may have been waiting on the premises and attacked the principal before fleeing. The identities of the suspects and the motive behind the attack remain unknown.
Doctors who provided initial treatment reported a circular wound below Barla’s left ear. Investigators are examining the nature and cause of the injury, with reports differing on whether he was shot or attacked with another object.
Police said the case was being investigated on the basis of CCTV footage, evidence recovered from the school and other circumstances. No arrests had been reported in the information available.
